Chapel by the Lake welcomes visiting Rev. and Prof.

Posted: February 12, 2012 - 12:06am

The Chapel by the Lake welcomes Mark Labberton, senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley in Berkeley, Calif., Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary at New College Berkeley and author, to present at Renewal by the Lake.

Rev. Douglas Dye of the Chapel by the Lake invites all to attend the series of events, including a dinner and free childcare during Renewal activities.

“To renew, according to the dictionary, is to restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection,” Dye wrote, “This is precisely what we hope and pray will happen through Renewal by the Lake this February.”

The themes for the series of events will be based on Labberton’s most recent book, The Dangerous Act of Worship and will concentrate on the Gospel of Matthew, chapters seven and eight, according to information provided by the church.

Labberton’s book pushes readers to not their worship inward, but to reach out.

“Even when we gather corporately,” Labberton wrote, “we often close our eyes to those around us, focusing on God but ignoring our neighbor. But true biblical worship does not merely point us upward — it should turn us outward as well.”

The book purports to encourage readers to move beyond their comfort zone and care for the poor and oppressed.

During the series of events, attendees will have the opportunity to discuss directly with Labberton the application of the principles he outlines in his book.

The events begin Wednesday evening, Feb. 22 with a book study with Matt Royston on Labberton’s most recent book. Events recommence Friday, Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. with “The Untamed God” following refreshments and fellowship at Smith Hall. Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. with a breakfast and coffee, also at Smith Hall, will be the discussion with Labberton. At 5 p.m. there is a community potluck, followed by “Reordering of Power” at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday morning will host two morning services of worship with Labberton preaching. At 6:30 p.m. Sunday evening, the final event will be “Being Credible.”

The events will focus on “the injustices of the heart,” which Labberton sees as the bedrock of much public injustice.

Labberton has spoken at events before the Presbyterian Church (USA), InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, the National Pastors Convention and the International Justice Mission. He has also contributed articles to Christianity Today, Radix and Leadership Journal.

For more information about Renewal by the Lake 2012 and Labberton, please visit chapelbythelake.org or call 789-7592.